P1 - Describe the hardware and software used to create and edit graphic images.

Hardware – A hardware is a device that is manually connected to the computer. An example of hardware is a computer monitor that allows you to see what you are doing on the computer.
Graphics Card – In order to create a graphics image, a graphics card is necessary. The graphics card proceeds digital information directly from the operating system stating what needs to be shown on the monitor. The graphics cards are needed to produce images that meet the wants of the users by using the abilities of the monitor.

Internal Memory – The interior memory of a computer is called RAM. It is mainly used to hold programmes and pages that are open or any documents and graphics that the user is viewing. This is useful for creating graphics images because once the programme or document is in the RAM then it works at a higher speed which is good because users are able to complete their work at a faster speed and don’t have to experience any problems.
Processor – The processor is the main part of the computer system, it allows the operating system and other programmes to run on the computer system. The processor also works out the calculation that is required to operate digital graphics. The processor is important in continuing the performance with difficult digital images. Digital Camera - When working with digital graphics, professionals will usually need to bring in their own images for their work so they will usually use digital cameras. By using digital cameras it will be easy for them to put the pictures directly onto the computer system from the digital camera. This could either be done by a cable or a card. Fire Storage - When working with digital graphics they will need to be saved onto the computer system so they can be used again by the designer. They may also need to be modified by backed up or even sent to other people that would need to see the images such as a client so they will need to be saved in order to complete those steps. USB Devices – With digital graphics using a USB device is need in order to input or move graphic images to another computer or onto a different device such as a digital camera.
Input Devices - When dealing with digital graphics input devices are useful and important as the user can capture the images and put the onto the computer system. Graphical input devices include a scanner or a graphics tablet.
Software – A software is a typoe of programme that is run on the computer. Example of softwares include photoshop and fireworks.
Vector Based Graphic- Vector based graphic softwares include CorelDraw. CorelDraw is a vector graphic editing software that allows graphic designers to edit their work by uisng the following software. Vector images are diagrams and graphics because they are able to have a higher resolution so the pictures are clear. Vector images are also good for enlarging and reducing size as they will not loose the focus of the image.
Bitmap Based Graphic – Bitmap based graphic softwares include Corel Paint Shop and Microsoft Paint. Both Corel Paint Shop and Microsoft Paint are graphics paint programme and are used to create bitmap grahics. Bitmap graphcis differs from vector graphics due to bitmap graphics having a large file size when saved onto a drive. Bitmap graphics also lose the focus of the image when they are enlarged or reduced with size. Bitmap graphics are good when they are used for screenshots and webpage pictures.
Photo Manipulation – Photo manipulation sotware applicatios are professional bitmap programmes that have the necessary tools in order to manipulate the photographs. Examples of photo manipulation softwares include Corel Photo-Paint and Adobe Photoshop.

Other softwares include: Image Viewers and Photo Galleries
Image Viewers – Image viewers are certain programmes that allow users to see a view of the folder with previews of the files that are located in the folders. Examples of image viewers include Microsoft Windows Explorer. With Microsoft windows explorer the user will be able to set the view at different sizes e.g. medium, large or extra-large icons in order to see the files in the folders.
Photo Galleries – Photo galleries is a software that shows a gathering of photos. Photo galleries are often used for a collection of web pages to show he images that different people have posted.